Alaska fishing: Wrangell area

Species

Anglers who travel to Wrangell Island will be delighted to find an array of
fishing on this second main stop of the Marine Highway. In saltwater all 5
species of Pacific salmon reach this area along with Pacific halibut,
lingcod, Pacific cod, greenling, herring, Dolly Varden char and rockfish. In
freshwater the salmons are accompanied by limited wild steelhead, Dolly
Varden, and cutthroat trout; and in some lakes there are stockings of
rainbows, brook trout, and even Arctic grayling. Wrangell sport fishing is
full of opportunity and even the most discriminating angler will be pleased
here.

Area Sponsor

If you are a Wrangell area
provider of services or goods for sport fishermen, we invite you to
advertise in this space. We want to provide both
additional information about fishing and an opportunity for you to make
people aware of what you do. We can take up to 125 words. We will work
with you on the exact wording so that it provides information for those
who read and helps you at the same time. The text can include your
website address and other contact information. We would also like to
display one of your best photos in this space -- we want to illustrate
area fishing and at the same time show what you are doing. If you would
like to sponsor this page, please contact
contact Pam at
1.907-895-4919 (9 - 5) Alaska time. The cost is only $96 for one year.

Geography

Wrangell is located midway between Juneau and Ketchikan in southeast
Alaska’s Inland Passage. Nestled in the heart of the
Tongass National
Forest, the area is distinguished by thick forest that contrasts with
glaciers and mountain peaks. The mainland coast and islands are incised
with fjords. The island contains numerous creeks and lakes, and easy
roadside fishing opportunities are supported by about 100 miles (160 km)
of asphalt and gravel roads. The community of Wrangell is home to about
2,500 residents. Neighboring large islands include Etolin, Woronkofski,
and Zarembo, and many charters originating from Wrangel will reach them

Best saltwaterfishing times in the
Wrangell area
(ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

king
salmon

year
round

May and June

coho
(silver) salmon

July
through October

July
through September

Pink
salmon

June
through August

July and August

Chum
salmon

June through September

July

Dolly
Varden

Char

April
through November

May
through July

halibut

February through December

June
through September

sea-run cutthroat

April
through October

July
through September

ling cod

year round

June through September

rockfish

year
round

April
through June

Best freshwaterfishing times in the
Wrangell area
(ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

King
salmon

July
and August

end of July

sockeye
(red)
salmon

May
through August

July

coho
(silver)
salmon

August through November

September and October

pink
salmon

July
and August

early August

chum salmon

July through September

August

Dolly Varden Char

January through December

April and May, August through
October

steelhead trout

April through June

May

rainbow trout

year round

year round

cutthroat trout

year round

July and August

grayling

year round

year round

We invite Wrangell area fishing services to
apply to advertise in this space. Call Pam at
1.907.895-4919

Transportation

Wrangell is served by the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska
Airlines, and smaller aircraft. The state ferry operates regardless of
weather and is the easiest way to bring your vehicle onto the island.
Rental vehicles can also be leased in Wrangell but advance reservations
are necessary.

Weather

Wrangell’s weather is similar to many communities in the Pacific Northwest
coastal area. Summertime will average in the high 60’s F (15.5 C) to the
mid 50’s F (10 C) for lows. Winters are mild with some snow, and
temperatures average between 20 and 40 F (-6.6 and 4.4 C). Visitors are
always advised to layer dress and quality raingear is recommended due to a
yearly average of around 80 inches (203 cm).

Amenities

Wrangell is among one of Alaska’s newest travel destinations and is a
hidden jewel among island towns. The community is rich in the heritage of
the Tlingit Indian culture, and is also distinguished by Petroglyph Beach
State Historic Park. Wrangell offers the angler a full complement of
retail services in shopping and dining, and accommodations range from
campsites to full service luxury lodges. Summer is the busiest time, and
advance reservations will be needed.

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